CMS will hold a Special Open Door Forum conference call next Wednesday, February 4, on the topic Understanding Dialysis Facility Compare-Driving Informed Decision Making in order to “allow patient advocacy groups, dialysis patients, and other interested parties to provide information and to solicit feedback on the introduction of star ratings on Dialysis Facility Compare.” For details see http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/OpenDoorForums/ODF_ESRD.html . Slides to support the call will be available soon at https://dialysisdata.org/ (lower left).

Northwest Renal Network’s monthly patient flyer is now posted on our new website at https://www.nwrn.org/patients-a-family/ptedres/mon.html . The featured topic for January is Knowing Your Dialysis Machine. These flyers are designed for posting in the facility waiting area, and for distribution to patients and family members. Contact our Patient Services Director, Lisa Hall (lhall@nw16.esrd.net) if you have questions or ideas for future monthly topics.